Consumer Resources

Buying a home is a major financial decision. Whether you're saving for a down payment, managing debt, or dealing with other barriers to entry, agents who are REALTORS® can help you find your dream home. Check out this video and this article to see how REALTORS® help...

Title fraud is a serious crime that can be overlooked and result in a property owner unknowingly losing the title of their property. Here's what you need to know about title fraud, how it happens, who's most at risk, and how you can prevent it from happening to you....

When looking to purchase property, buyers may consider purchasing a plot of land or a new construction project instead of an existing home. Here's what prospective buyers should know: Why might I want to build my own home? Every homebuyer's needs are different. Some...

When selling a home, sellers must disclose certain characteristics of the property to potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you understand why and what you need to disclose, but here are the basics: What are seller disclosures? Seller disclosures are...

Wherever you buy a home in the United States, property taxes are a reality of homeownership. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help connect you with a tax expert in your area, but here are the basics: What are property taxes? Property taxes are charges on your land and...

Whether you are a first-time buyer or planning your next move, you should consider many factors as you prepare for the home purchase process. Here's what prospective buyers should know: How should I begin to think about what kind of home suits my needs? Before...

When your home is on the market, you may receive offers from multiple interested buyers. Offers can vary greatly, and you will need to determine which one is best for you. Here's what sellers should know: How can offers differ? While the price of an offer is a key...

Once you decide to sell your home, your agent will work with you to determine the best strategy to reach potential buyers and attract strong offers. Here are some considerations when marketing your home: What does it mean to market my home? Marketing your home refers...

In many housing markets, homeowners associations (HOAs) and other community associations can be a part of the homebuying (and owning) experience. Here's what prospective buyers should know: What are HOAs? HOAs are organizations in residential communities that create...

Closing day is an exciting milestone for buyers and sellers alike. To complete the process of a home sale, a property's ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here's what you should know about deeds and titles: What is a deed? A deed...

NAR's new MLS policy is being implemented across the country through September 30, 2025. Please note that delayed marketing exempt listings may not be available in all markets until that date. Home sellers looking to market their homes may have different preferences...

A REALTOR® is a special kind of real estate agent: one who follows NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, including the first and primary pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation means that a REALTOR® cannot make decisions or provide...

As of August 17, 2024, many real estate professionals nationwide will be asking buyers to enter into a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house? Here’s what you should know:  I am attending an open house without an...

The National Association of REALTORS® is proud to support those who serve our country on their journey to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Veterans and active servicemembers often have unique needs when looking for a home, and agents who are REALTORS® are...

If you’re a homebuyer working with an agent who is a REALTOR®, it means you are working with a professional who is ethically obligated to act in your best interest. As of August 17, 2024, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement after you’ve chosen the...

As a home seller, you have a wide range of choices when deciding how to market your property. This includes whether you’d like to offer—or authorize your agent to offer—compensation to a buyer’s agent as a way to attract potential buyers. Here’s what you need to know...

You’ve decided it’s time to buy a home and want to work with an agent to guide you through the process. The next step is to interview agents and negotiate a written agreement that includes the services the agent will provide and the compensation they will receive....

As a home seller, you have choices when deciding how to market your property, including whether you’d like to offer concessions to attract buyers or close a deal. Here’s what you need to know as you consider whether this approach is right for you:  What are seller...

When buying or selling a home, your real estate professional may use a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find homes for sale or market your property. Here is what you need to know:  What is an MLS? MLSs provide online platforms that compile home listings from...

 Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s fundamental to your long-term goals and financial future. Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination. Here’s what you need to...

If you choose to work with a real estate professional to sell your home, one of the first things you’ll do is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with the agent you’ve selected. Here’s what you need to know:  What is a listing agreement? A listing agreement is a...

 If you’re ready to sell your home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent:  Are you a REALTOR®? When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®,...

 If you’re ready to buy a home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent:  Are you a REALTOR®? When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®, you...

So, you’re ready to find your first home. But where do you begin? And what resources are available to help you? Here’s what you need to know as you embark on your homeownership journey:  Who is considered a first-time homebuyer? The definition of “first-time...

Buying a home is one of the largest personal and financial decisions you can make. For many buyers, the process includes finding a loan that will help you pay for your new home over time. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you learn about your options. Here’s what...

Once you sign a purchase agreement on your new home, there are still several steps to complete before you can finalize—or “close”—the transaction. While the process differs in each state, here are the basics of what you can expect during the period between signing and...

When you are looking to buy or sell a home, you may hear about different types of relationships—agency and non-agency—that exist between buyers and sellers and the real estate professionals they are working with. These relationships are defined by state law and the...

If you are financing your home purchase, you will likely be required to get a home appraisal as one of the steps between signing and close. Here’s what you should know:  What is an appraisal? An appraisal is an opinion on a home’s market value that helps a lender...

Between signing and close, a homebuyer may choose to have a new home inspected to make sure it is in good condition and safe for a new owner. Here’s what buyers and sellers should know:  What is a home inspection? A home inspection is an assessment of a home’s...

One of the steps between signing and closing on a home is when homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help advise you on your offer and how to keep your deposits safe. When it comes to escrow, here’s what homebuyers...

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, but some insurers may limit or not offer coverage if your risk is higher. You should contact an insurance agent or broker if you need separate fire insurance or have questions. An agent who is a REALTOR®...

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Even a few inches of water can cause devastating damage. A licensed insurance agent can advise you on purchasing the right flood insurance to protect your assets. Here’s what you need to...

Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Start looking at policies early and ask an agent who is a REALTOR® to connect you with a licensed insurance agent for assistance. A detailed industry overview of available coverage...

Once you decide to sell your home, you might have questions about how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you through this process. Here are some common considerations as you prepare your home to sell:  How...

As a home seller, one of the most important questions to ask your agent is how to determine your home’s listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing: What characteristics of my home will my agent evaluate? Agents will consider many...